River Through Atlanta Guide Service

Chris Scalley started River Through Atlanta in 1994 after a drift boat trip down the Snake River in Jackson Hole sparked an idea: bring that guide service model to Georgia. When the state opened the Chattahoochee River to year-round trout fishing in 1995, the timing was perfect. What began as a one-man operation—Chris working construction in winter to keep it afloat—has grown into a full-service outfitter.

Fly Fishing on the Chattahoochee - Drift boat trips for beginners through experts - Year-round guided floats below Buford Dam - Trips available 7 days a week, 365 days a year - Operate under National Park Service permit in Chattahoochee National Recreation Area since 1994

Waterfowl Hunting - Local Georgia duck hunts on private leased wetlands - Regional Tennessee River flyway hunts in Alabama (2 hours west) - Peak season December through January

Field and Stream Magazine recognized Chris Scalley as a finalist in the 2007 Heroes of Conservation Awards for his efforts to protect the Chattahoochee sport fishery.

Current guide roster includes Chris Scalley, John Scalley, David Testerman, Mark Macdonald, Rob Smith, Dillon Lancaster, Devin Lancaster, Andrew Reece, Bruce Rickey, Will Testerman, Rafi Khan, and Michael Hitchcock. Each guide brings specific expertise to the water.

Chris has fly fished internationally—New Zealand's freestone waters, Ireland's lochs, Austria's Gmundner Traun, and Pennsylvania spring creeks—yet consistently returns to the 'Hooch. Mild climate, late trout spawn, and water quality that rivals destination rivers anywhere. Local knowledge that took decades to build.